Take a look around as you drive to work in the morning, or run to the store for some last minute shopping. Secaucus is lit up and alive with holiday cheer. Whether it is reindeers and sleighs, snowmen and festive flags, Christmas trees and Santa’s mailbox, it’s clear that Santa’s on his way. Earlier this month, families and friends enjoyed festive community events together. The holiday bazaar was held in the Recreation Center and offered many unique gifts and fun family activities. The holiday parade made its way through the streets in the plaza lighting the crisp night air, spreading joy with its cheerful Christmas flair.

Employees, residents, and our corporate community once again have come together to make Christmas memorable for our less fortunate families. Many of our public buildings had large decorated boxes where so many toys and donations were dropped off. All of Santa’s elves were busy bundling the gifts for young less fortunate boys and girls. Many of these elves are members of K&S, The Secaucus Emergency Fund and the Secaucus Social Services Department. These people have gone above and beyond the call of service to lend a helpful hand. Once again, our pantry is filled with supplies to help these families, our neighbors, get through some tough times. Each gift, meal and gesture of good will goes a long way to make others holiday bright. The outpouring of generosity from each of you to help neighbors, relatives, and friends and at times, even strangers is overwhelming. It’s true, miracles do happen in Secaucus.

They say a stranger is a friend we have not met yet. This year, we experienced a true Christmas miracle as the community embraced a stranger who recently traveled here from abroad; someone who was struggling to find a new life. A young woman with a law degree from Germany came to the United States and acquired her Master’s Degree at Notre Dame. After spending some time in Florida, the ambitious young woman found her way up the east coast and eventually here, in a church in our community. She confessed she was looking for a place to stay warm as the cold winter weather thrust her into the reality of her dire situation. All of her family’s savings back home were spent on her education leaving her on her own to take the bar exam and begin her new life here in America. Our limited resources afforded this brave traveler two nights stay in a local hotel. As word spread, a local family provided the shelter of a warm home as the search for employment continued. It wasn’t much later when Goya Inc., a large company whose corporate offices have been in town for many years reviewed her impressive resume and offered our newest member of the community a full time job.

This is a true story of hope and inspiration that miracles do happen through hard work, endurance and a strong will to survive and thrive. And above all, have faith in yourself. This Christmas miracle did indeed happen in Secaucus but it started in Germany. This holiday season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah, my wish for everyone is to believe in miracles, and more importantly, believe in yourself.

Season’s Greetings to you and the very best for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.